Forgotten Love

Chapter 11

Allen's gaze drifted across the opulent dining hall, her eyes scanning the room's occupants with practiced indifference.

But then, her gaze collided with Lucas's, his piercing stare arresting her attention. For an instant, they locked eyes, the air thickening with tension.

Lucas's expression was a mask of polished calm, yet his eyes betrayed him, flashing with anger's dark spark.

Allen's heart skipped a beat as she sensed the depth of his emotion, the intensity making her skin prickle.

The sounds of conversation and clinking silverware receded into the background, leaving only the charged silence between them.

Just as it seemed Lucas would speak, his mother's melodious voice cut through the tension, "Lucas, dear, would you pass the rolls?"

The sudden interruption broke their gaze, and Allen's eyes dropped, her pulse still racing from the unspoken confrontation.

Allen watched in fear as Lucas angrily passed the rolls to his mother, Mrs. Valois.

Mrs. Valois's expression remained serene, but her eyes flashed with a brief warning. "Lucas, darling, calm down."

Lucas's gaze lingered on Allen, his anger still simmering, before he turned back to his mother. "I'm fine, Mother."

The tension at the table was palpable, and Allen sensed she was the catalyst for Lucas's outburst.

Mrs. Valois's voice broke the silence, "Allen, tell me, how do you find our little gathering?"

Allen hesitated, unsure how to respond, but Mrs. Valois's warm smile put her at ease.

Allen forced a smile, trying to conceal her unease. "I'm fine, thank you, Mrs. Valois. Your home is lovely."

Mrs. Valois's eyes sparkled with warmth, but Allen detected a hint of skepticism. "Please, call me Catherine. We're not formal here."

Lucas's gaze lingered on Allen, his expression unreadable.

She sensed he knew she was lying, that the tension between them had unsettled her.

Catherine's voice drew Allen back into the conversation. "So, Allen, Lucas tells me you're quite talented. I'd love to hear more about your interests."

Allen's mind raced, unsure what Lucas had shared or what Catherine expected. "Oh, I...enjoy reading and music," she stammered.

The conversation flowed awkwardly, with Lucas contributing little, his silence weighing heavily on Allen.

As the main course arrived, Allen felt
trapped, unsure how to navigate this complex web of emotions and secrets.

Allen's voice was steady as she revealed her creative pursuit. "I'm writing a book, Catherine."

Catherine Valois's eyes widened with delight. "Oh, how wonderful! What genre?"

Allen's smile grew, enthusiasm taking over. "It's a novel, focusing on themes of self-discovery and personal growth."

Lucas, seated across from them, looked up from his wine glass, his gaze piercing. Allen sensed his interest, though his expression remained neutral.

Catherine leaned forward, her voice encouraging. "Tell me more. What inspired this story?"

Allen's thoughts unfolded as she spoke. "I've always been fascinated by the human capacity for transformation. How people face their fears, overcome adversity, and emerge stronger."

The room fell silent, except for the soft clinking of silverware against plates.

Lucas's gaze never wavered, his attention fixed intently on Allen.